Upload Lidar Point Clouds as LAS/LAZ Files to View Them as 3D Terrain

A LAS file is an industry-standard file format for storing lidar data. You can upload a lidar point cloud to the Propeller Platform as a LAS (or as a zipped LAZ).

Select your file and prepare for upload

Click the UPLOAD button. Under PRE-PROCESSED, select Point Cloud (LAS/LAZ).

UPLOAD Button.png UPLOAD Button Pre Processed Options.png

Drag and drop or search for your files on your computer.

Once you select your file, we'll perform quick validation checks. Under the heading File validation, you can see if your file has passed the checks at the bottom of your screen.

Troubleshooting tip: Is the site in the wrong location?

If the data looks like it was uploaded to the wrong location, check if the coordinate system is the same as the site you are uploading to.

The point cloud you upload must be in the same coordinate system as the site.

Next, name or adjust the dataset details.

Data Upload Point Cloud Dataset Details.png

Select an elevation model filter and output formats

You will then be asked if you would like to use the original “ground” classification from your point cloud to generate the elevation model.

Data Upload Use Exiting Point Cloud Classification.png

If you click no, you will be given the option to add a filter to your elevation model. If your point cloud is unclassified or you are unsure whether it’s classified, we recommend selecting the No option. In this instance, we will use all points in the cloud to generate a surface. If you select Yes, you can select what you want to filter out—Equipment, Vegetation, Structures, or Everything. Learn more about filtering your data.

Data Upload Choose Filter.png

Upload your Point Cloud

Next, review the details of your upload before submitting it to Propeller for processing.Once you have submitted your data, we'll do the rest! During this step, please don’t close or navigate to another tab, or you will be required to start the upload process from the beginning. We will notify you via email when your data is ready.

View your point cloud as 3D terrain

Once your point cloud has been processed, you can view it in the Propeller portal. You will receive the tiled point cloud + DEM as a layer in your portal. By default, the terrain surface generated by your point cloud will be invisible. Use the slider to adjust the point cloud's point size. If pre-processed point cloud has classification, it can be viewed as separate layers. Colors can also be switched between true and class color for better visualisation.

Click any elevation/gradient map layers to see the colorized surface.

Elevation Gradient Map.png

Still need a hand?

These articles are written to get you where you need to go, but if you can't find what you're looking for, our support team is here to help. Reach out anytime via the question mark in the bottom left of your portal.

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